During the summer months, Beaufort County District schools offer Extended Learning (ELT) to students who need more educational support. The week after the closing ceremonies for the regular school year, teachers roll up their sleeves and give their time to students in Extended Learning.

"I wish school was like this all the time, the classes are nice and small," said Abey Hernandez, an attending student. Smaller classes are just one of the great advantages that make ELT such a success.

The program focuses on skill building in areas of reading, writing, test-taking and even, life. In a day of ELT, a student might get one-on-one help from a teacher on their particular reading challenge; work on a customized program on a computer, or learn about fire prevention.

Firefighters with Shift 2 from the Prichardville fire station, taught students one day about fire safety and preventative skills. The H.E. McCracken Middle School ELT program also brought in college psychology teachers to talk about staying in school and the importance of self esteem. Representatives from the Beaufort-Jasper Academy for Career Excellence came to the school to speak to students about their program and what it offers those who want to learn a trade and be actively working in and out of high school.

During one week of ELT, students can "catch up or get ahead" in preparation for the upcoming school year. "The structure of the program and the students have been fantastic," said Estelle Harris, a H.E. McCracken Middle instructor of ELT. Extended Learning is not only offered during the summer months, but twice during the regular school calendar. The next ELT week is Aug. 1-5.